Low B12

[Gmanfooty]

Hi was hoping for some help/advice. I've recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism after months of gp/ hospital visits just started 50mcg of levothyroxine (Teva) this week. I got a copy of my bloods which showed my serum B12 at 187ng/L (range197-771) which gp never mentioned ,been back to see them today and they have said they won't treat b12 until I have bloods done in 5-6weeks time, if it's still low then they will discuss treatment. I've had a few symptoms which overlap thyroid/ b12 deficiencies and was wondering is it dangerous to wait so long? Is my level really low? Should I take supplements ( don't want to mess u further tests) many thanks for any help.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

5-6 weeks shouldn't be a problem

Possible exception would be if you have neurological problems such as balance, tingling in arms and feet etc.

Diagnosing B12 deficiency using serum B12 is extremely difficult as a) its not the most accurate test in the world anyway - variation of 20% in results on same test - and b) there is a huge variation in the levels at which given individuals are okay. More interesting is seeing significant drops in levels but the test isn't used frequently enough for that and GPs are woefully lacking in awareness when it comes to interpreting blood test results anyway.

Do you know if your hypothyroidism is auto-immune (hashimotos) or not. If it is then that ups the chances on a B12 absorption problem.

From a medical perspective it is easier to establish what is going on by looking at one possibility at a time ... however, it's also quite possible that 50mcg (a starter dose) may not be the right dose for you and the 5-6 weeks is about the time it takes to get to a steady state on any dose change ... I went through hell when I was started on levo and hit the roof when I was told that my follow on results were okay without so much as asking me how I felt - over-reliance on TSH results - but I guess you have already picked up on the problems on the TUK forum.

[Gmanfooty in reply to Gambit62]

Not sure if it's auto immune or not I've asked the gp to include that on next bloods

[Nackapan in reply to Gambit62]

Sorry missed your post . Perhaos took a long time writing mine

[Nackapan]

They often do go together.

Go by your symptoms .

Write them down.

If you not happy go back.

It may be because they want to see if your Levi thyroxine is working?

Seems strange to wait 5 weeks without an explanation.

Has it ever been tested before?

My friend got it the other way round. Has had treatment for b12. And although TSH clinically borderline 4.9 5.2 ovet 6 monthd. has alot of new symptoms

Weight gain fatigue and aches and pains. Really do not know why to wait to treat either . The serum b12 test will only show all B12 in your blood and not the active. Some have an active test done by media checks. Hope you get sorted soon.

[Gmanfooty in reply to Nackapan]

I've had bloods done a few times over last month and always just told they were normal , this time I asked for a print out which is when I found out b12 level, I was diagnosed this week at appointment but had the bloods done over 2wks ago the surgery/gp had forgotten to inform me and there was even a prescription for levothyroxine sitting at chemist that no one told me about , so I should have been on meds for 2 weeks already! Which was the reason I thought I'd look at bloods myself

[Nackapan in reply to Gmanfooty]

It seems to be the same story for so many. DIY and don't believe when told normal if you don't feel well something is wrong! !

[Gmanfooty in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks for advice I see alot of people use medicheck for private tests

[wedgewood]

Your B12 result is low and you should have been treated . . Shocking . Our NHS is not the best in the world I’m afraid .

[Marz in reply to wedgewood]

youtube.com/watch?time_cont...

.... and it could become even more of a problem !

[wedgewood in reply to Marz]

Yes , it’s very worrying .

[waveylines]

You need the b12 level to be raised for thyroid hormone uptake/conversion too so its madness not to treat!!!

Id go back with the nhs b12 guidelines and point them out politely to your GP alongside the fact you will also need it for thyroid hormone uptake.....if they want your treatment to work!!! What are they playing at?

Honestly I despair......

[Gmanfooty in reply to waveylines]

They r saying it's not low enough to warrant treatment yet I've got another appointment this week will try again I'm definitely not myself keep forgetting things , saying the odd wrong word here and there where I'm normally really mentally sharp, even called my other half a different name which didn't go down too well!